Dealing with a Freeloading Coworker: AITA for Setting Boundaries?

AITA for refusing to be my coworker's personal chauffeur after helping him once? Colleagues weigh in on the situation.

Damjan

Published in Interesting
25 Dec 2025

Dealing with a Freeloading Coworker: AITA for Setting Boundaries?

In today's Reddit thread, we delve into a classic dilemma that many can relate to: the fine line between helping a friend and being taken for granted. The original poster (OP) found themselves in a situation where a simple act of kindness, offering a ride to a coworker whose car broke down, has spiraled into a daily obligation that they never intended to take on.

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What started as a one-time favor has become a routine expectation, leaving OP frustrated and overwhelmed by their coworker's entitlement. The core of the issue lies in the coworker's demand for rides without offering compensation for gas or any consideration for OP’s time.

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As tensions rise, OP confronts their coworker, stating they are not a personal Uber, which leads to backlash and gossip around the office. The dilemma raises essential questions about boundaries, reciprocity, and the balance of workplace relationships.

As the discussion unfolds, Redditors weigh in with their perspectives, sharing experiences and advice that range from supporting OP's decision to let go of the ride-sharing arrangement to admonishing them for potentially being harsh. This thread invites you to consider: How do you navigate the complexities of helping others without sacrificing your own needs?

Join the conversation and share your thoughts!

Original Post

So here’s the deal. I drive to work every day, and a while back my coworker’s car broke down.

I gave him a ride once because, you know, I felt bad and it was on my way anyway. No big deal.

But then it just… never stopped. Like, now he basically expects me to pick him up every single day.

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He doesn’t offer gas money, he’s made me late a couple of times because he wasn’t ready, and honestly it’s starting to p**s me off. I finally told him I’m not his personal Uber and he needs to figure something out.

He got super mad and apparently told other people at work that I’m selfish. A couple of coworkers even said I should just suck it up since it “doesn’t cost a lot.” And also he goes he helped me a lot but I don’t remember I got help from him a lot to be honest.

I only asked him if he had extra pen to borrow once. That’s all!

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he was lying too. I don’t think it’s fair though.

I was trying to help one time, not sign up to be his chauffeur forever. But now I’m wondering if I was too harsh.

AITA for cutting him off?